ThinBorne vs. Caudabe iPhone 17 Pro Max Case (Sheath): Features & Pricing 2025

These days, more and more people are leaning toward minimalist styles. And when it comes to phone cases, slim is definitely in. The trick, though, is finding a case that remains thin without compromising the protection you need for everyday bumps and drops.

This is why so many people look at the ThinBorne and Caudabe iPhone 17 Pro Max case. Both are well-loved for their sleek designs and everyday usability, but each takes a slightly different path when it comes to keeping your iPhone 17 Pro Max safe.

Let’s break them down so you can decide which  iPhone 17 Pro Max case feels right for you.

As  Tom’s Guide editor Mark Spoonauer mentioned in his review, Apple made the iPhone 17 Pro Max tougher with an aluminum back and stronger Ceramic Shield 2. But one hard drop can still leave you with cracks you’ll regret.

That’s why a case isn’t optional. When it comes to slim protection, ThinBorne and Caudabe are the names people talk about. But which one can match your style and needs?

Let’s see how they compare to each other.

ThinBorne

We’re a small business here in Texas, and while we’re not the biggest name out there, we put everything into the cases we make. Every iPhone 17 Pro Max case we ship is built with 600D aramid fiber, a material that’s tough, light, and smooth to the touch.

That choice means our cases stay under 0.04 inches thin and weigh less than an ounce. Your phone retains its slim feel without the bulk that most brands add when they cut corners with cheaper materials.

Before any case reaches you, it goes through three rounds of inspection, so by the time it lands in your hands, we know it’s ready. Plus, we include a free tempered glass screen protector and back everything with a 180-day warranty.

We do all this because we want you to feel confident the second you snap it on. With ThinBorne, you’re not only protecting your iPhone, you’re also supporting a Texas small business that puts people first.

Key Features:

• Less than 0.04 inches thin and under 1 oz light

• Made with premium 600D aramid fiber (aerospace-grade material)

• 3 rounds of strict quality checks (factory, QC warehouse, Texas)

• Free tempered glass screen protector included

• 180-day warranty backed by a Texas small business

Caudabe

Back in 2012, Caudabe began in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a clear mission: to design cases that keep things simple, slim, and practical. They’ve stuck to that “Minimalist Perfection” idea ever since, and it’s what made them stand out in a crowded market. Over time, they’ve added little touches, such as swappable aluminum buttons and strong MagSafe magnets, without compromising the clean look people love.

Fast forward to today, their Sheath case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max carries on that same promise. It’s slim, easy to grip, and built to handle everyday life without making your phone feel bulky.

Key Features:

• Drop tested to 15 feet (4.6 meters)

• Built with ShockLite frame + polycarbonate back

• Micro-dot side pattern for better grip

• Matte finish that helps resist fingerprints

• Aluminum buttons with a solid click

• Strong MagSafe magnets for accessories

The material decides if your case feels light, lasts long, or adds extra weight you don’t want. Some cases require strength, while others require softness. ThinBorne and Caudabe both keep things slim, but they use very different materials to get there.

ThinBorne

With ThinBorne, we went with aramid fiber, the same material used in aerospace and protective gear. It may sound intense because it is. Aramid fiber is super strong yet incredibly thin, which means your iPhone 17 Pro Max stays protected without feeling bulky. You won’t get that soft, cushiony feel, but you do get a sleek, tough shell that keeps its shape and doesn’t wear down easily.

Caudabe

Caudabe takes a different approach. Instead of opting for a rugged, sleek shell, they utilize a material called ShockLite. Think of it like a soft, rubbery layer that gives a little when you press it. That flexibility is what helps absorb shock when your phone hits the ground. If you’re the kind of person who drops your phone often, the softer build might give you some peace of mind.

Now let’s talk about how these cases actually feel in your hand and in your pocket because comfort matters just as much as protection.

ThinBorne

You see, we know how much you love the slim design of your iPhone 17 Pro Max, and we don’t want to take that away from you. That’s why we made our case less than 0.04 inches thin. By using premium aramid fiber, we provide you with strength in a feather-light shell, allowing you to carry your iPhone with confidence, without ever feeling weighed down by bulk.

Caudabe

Caudabe’s Sheath feels a bit thicker in the hand. That extra material adds some weight, too, so while it’s still not a bulky case, you’ll definitely notice more heft in your pocket. The upside is that the added thickness provides more cushion for drops, but it means your iPhone won’t feel as slim and light as it does with ultra-thin cases.

Nothing makes your heart sink faster than seeing your iPhone slip out of your hand. So if you don’t want that constant worry, the case you pick really matters.

ThinBorne

We built ThinBorne to handle everyday issues like scratches, bumps, and those small drops that occur when life gets busy. You’ll notice that our case doesn’t have a big raised lip on the front, and that’s intentional.

Raised lips add bulk, and we want your iPhone to stay slim and light. Instead, we include a free tempered glass screen protector in every box, so your screen remains protected without adding extra thickness.

Caudabe

Caudabe leans more toward heavy drop protection. It’s built to handle everyday slips and provides extra peace of mind with its cushioned design. While it’s a bit thicker in the hand, that added material is what makes it feel more secure when life gets clumsy. For people who prioritize protection over style, Caudabe ensures you feel well-protected.

The cameras on the iPhone 17 Pro Max stick out, which means they’re the first thing to hit a surface if your phone isn’t in a case. That’s why a good camera and corner protection matter.

ThinBorne

We gave ThinBorne raised lips around the camera so your lenses don’t touch the table when you place your phone face-up. The corners also feature a slim guard, providing light coverage without adding bulk. It’s enough to keep your phone safe in everyday use while still maintaining a sleek design.

Caudabe

Caudabe also provides raised edges around the camera for added safety. The corners are designed with a cushioned surface, which helps absorb shock if the phone lands on its side. It’s those little design details that make you feel your camera and edges are safe, even in everyday accidents.

The little details matter, especially with something you touch dozens of times a day. Buttons and cutouts may seem small, but they significantly impact on the feel of your phone.

ThinBorne

With ThinBorne, we left the buttons open with precise cutouts. That way, you press the actual iPhone buttons, not a cover on top of them. It feels natural and direct, almost like your phone doesn’t even have a case.

Caudabe

Caudabe takes a different approach by covering the buttons with soft extensions. They still click nicely, but you’re pressing through the case instead of touching the real buttons. Some people like that softer press because it feels cushioned in the hand.

If you use MagSafe wallets, car mounts, or wireless chargers, then you know how important it is for your case to work properly. Nobody wants to keep wiggling their phone around, hoping it clicks into place.

ThinBorne

With ThinBorne, we built in MagSafe magnets so your phone snaps on right away. Because our case is extremely slim, the charger lines up perfectly, whether you’re dropping it on a pad at night or clicking it onto a wallet before heading out. It feels quick, easy, and reliable, just the way it should.

Caudabe

Caudabe Sheath also does a solid job with MagSafe. The magnets hold accessories firmly, and the slightly thicker build can make heavy add-ons, like wallets or mounts, feel extra secure. It gives you a steady connection when you need it.

Looks matter too. After all, your phone is something you hold all the time, so the way a case feels in your hand makes a big difference.

ThinBorne

With ThinBorne, we wanted your iPhone to look as sharp as it feels. Our case features a sleek, woven texture reminiscent of carbon fiber. It’s smooth when you slide it into your pocket, but it still has just enough grip to prevent it from slipping out of your hand. We kept the focus on elegance and minimalism, because we know you don’t want a case that feels bulky or flashy.

Caudabe

Caudabe went with a matte, soft-touch finish. It feels slightly warmer and grippier in your hand, which some people prefer because it doesn’t slide around easily. If you prefer a case that feels soft and cozy instead of sleek, this style might be more your thing.

A good case should protect your phone, but the company behind it should protect you too. That’s where support and warranty make a big difference.

ThinBorne

When you order ThinBorne, we like to give you a little extra. That’s why we include a free tempered glass screen protector in the box. Additionally, you receive a 180-day warranty, which is half a year of peace of mind, knowing we’ll back you up if something goes wrong. And because we’re a small business here in Texas, we take every customer seriously.

Oh, and here’s something for you: if you’re ready to grab one today, use code  Thin15 at checkout and enjoy  15% off your order.

Caudabe

Caudabe offers a 1-year warranty, which sounds nice on paper, but that’s really all you get. No extras, no bonuses—just the case. Their customer service has a solid reputation for being responsive, but it feels more like the standard support you’d expect from a bigger brand.

So, which case should you go for? It really depends on what matters most to you.

Pick ThinBorne if you want your iPhone to stay as slim and light as the day you unboxed it. We created this case for individuals who love the “almost no case” look but still require everyday protection from scratches and minor drops. If you’re careful with your phone and want it to feel sleek in your hand, ThinBorne is made for you.

Pick the Caudabe Sheath if you know you tend to drop your phone often and want extra padding. It’s a bit thicker and heavier, but the softer build provides more cushion and grip, which may give you peace of mind.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your style: if you want pure slimness with a premium feel, go ThinBorne. If you’d rather trade some slimness for extra drop safety, Caudabe is there for that.

Both ThinBorne and Caudabe Sheath have their strong points. ThinBorne thin phone case stands out for its feather-light design and premium feel, making it perfect for minimalists who want their iPhone 17 Pro Max to look and feel just as sleek as the day they bought it.

So if you’re stuck choosing, just think about how you use your iPhone every day. No matter which way you go, you’re protecting your iPhone 17 Pro Max with a case that respects its design. And that means fewer worries, more fun, and a phone that stays in great shape for years to come.